Subtract 2/42 from 2/4
2/4 - 2/42 is 19/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
2/4 = 2 × 21/4 × 21 = 42/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
2/42 = 2 × 2/42 × 2 = 4/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/84 - 4/84 = 42 - 4/84 = 38/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 19/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/4-4/42 2/8-2/42 2/4-2/84 6/4-2/42 2/4-6/42 2/12-2/42 10/4-2/42 2/4-10/42 2/20-2/42 14/4-2/42 2/4-14/42 2/28-2/42